Can You Strangle Clickers in The Last of Us? An Expert’s Guide
The short answer is a resounding no, you cannot strangle Clickers in The Last of Us, particularly not on Hard, Survivor, or Grounded difficulties. The game mechanics simply don’t allow for it. The strangling pop-ups that might appear with other enemy types are deliberately disabled for Clickers due to their immense strength and the hardened fungal plating that protects their neck. Attempting to strangle a Clicker is a surefire way to end up as their next meal.
Clickers represent a significant threat in The Last of Us universe. Their grotesque appearance and terrifying vocalizations are matched only by their brutal strength and unique combat characteristics. Understanding how to effectively deal with them is crucial for survival, especially on higher difficulty settings. This article will delve into the specifics of Clicker behavior, vulnerabilities, and tactics to help you navigate encounters with these formidable foes.
Understanding Clickers: More Than Just Blind Zombies
Clickers aren’t your run-of-the-mill zombies. They’re the result of years of Cordyceps infection, leading to the growth of thick fungal plates on their heads. This fungal armor not only renders them blind but also provides significant protection against conventional attacks. Their reliance on echolocation, hence the distinctive clicking sounds, dictates their movement and awareness. This also means that stealth is an option.
Clickers are significantly stronger and more aggressive than Runners or Stalkers. In close combat, they can quickly overwhelm players, often resulting in instant death. This heightened threat level necessitates a strategic approach to every encounter.
Combat Strategies: The Dos and Don’ts of Clicker Encounters
The Don’ts:
- Don’t attempt hand-to-hand combat. Unless you have bricks or bottles to stun them, melee attacks are largely ineffective, especially in The Last of Us Part I remake.
- Don’t rely on stealth takedowns in direct confrontations. While stealth is the preferred approach, rushing a Clicker head-on is a recipe for disaster.
- Don’t underestimate their strength. A Clicker can easily overpower Joel or Ellie in a grapple, leading to a swift and gruesome death.
- Don’t waste ammunition on headshots. Unless you’re using a high-powered weapon at close range, shots to the fungal plates are often ineffective.
The Dos:
- Do prioritize stealth. Clickers are blind, making stealth your greatest asset. Move slowly and cautiously to avoid alerting them.
- Do use distractions. Bricks and bottles can be thrown to create distractions, luring Clickers away from your path or into traps.
- Do exploit their weakness to fire. Molotov cocktails are highly effective against Clickers. A single Molotov can quickly dispatch a group of them.
- Do utilize the environment to your advantage. Funnel Clickers into narrow corridors or set up ambushes in chokepoints.
- Do use shivs for stealth takedowns. When undetected, a shiv to the throat is a guaranteed kill.
- Do upgrade your weapons. A fully upgraded shotgun or flamethrower can be invaluable for dealing with Clickers in close quarters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Clickers
Here are some frequently asked questions about Clickers in The Last of Us.
1. What weapons are most effective against Clickers?
Molotov cocktails are arguably the most effective weapon against Clickers, especially when dealing with groups. Other viable options include the Shotgun, Shorty, and Flamethrower in close quarters. Upgraded weapons, in general, will be more efficient.
2. Can I sneak past Clickers undetected?
Yes, you can. As Clickers are blind, relying on echolocation, stealth is a viable strategy. Move slowly, avoid making noise, and use cover to remain undetected.
3. How can I stealth kill a Clicker?
The safest and most efficient method is to sneak up behind them and use a shiv for a stealth takedown. Remember to crouch and move silently to avoid alerting them.
4. Why are Clickers so difficult to kill?
The fungal plates on their heads provide substantial protection to their brain. Direct headshots with weaker weapons are often ineffective. This armor, combined with their strength, makes them formidable opponents.
5. Are Clickers completely blind?
Yes, Clickers are completely blind. They rely entirely on echolocation to navigate and locate enemies.
6. Can Clickers be one-shotted?
Yes, Clickers can be killed with one-shot from weapons like upgraded Shotgun or hunting rifle to the head.
7. Can I outrun a Clicker?
Yes, you can outrun a Clicker. Their echolocation has a limited range, and they move at a moderate pace compared to Runners or Stalkers. However, running is not always the best strategy, as it can attract other infected.
8. What difficulty levels affect Clicker behavior?
The behavior of Clickers remains consistent across difficulty levels, but their damage output and health increase on higher difficulties like Hard, Survivor, and Grounded. Also, as mentioned previously, the strangling pop-ups do not appear on Hard, Survivor and Grounded Difficulty.
9. What is the origin of the Clickers’ name?
Clickers are named for the distinctive clicking and croaking sounds they produce as they use echolocation to navigate their environment.
10. Are Bloaters related to Clickers?
Yes, Bloaters are a further stage of Cordyceps infection, evolving from Clickers after prolonged exposure. They are even larger, stronger, and more heavily armored.
11. How long does it take for someone to become a Clicker?
The transformation into a Clicker takes a significant amount of time, typically years of Cordyceps infection.
12. What are the key differences between Clickers and Runners?
Runners are in the early stages of infection and retain some level of human agility and speed. Clickers are blind, slower, and more heavily armored, but significantly stronger and more dangerous in close combat.
13. Are Clickers inspired by real-world fungi?
Yes, the Clickers were inspired by real-life Cordyceps fungi, which infect insects and control their behavior.
14. How does the environment affect Clicker encounters?
Dark and confined spaces favor Clickers, as their echolocation gives them an advantage. Open areas provide more opportunities for ranged attacks and strategic maneuvering.
15. What is the best overall strategy for dealing with Clickers?
The best overall strategy is to prioritize stealth, use distractions, exploit their weakness to fire, and utilize the environment to your advantage. Being patient and observant is key to surviving encounters with these deadly infected.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Clicker Survival
Clickers are undoubtedly one of the most terrifying and challenging enemies in The Last of Us. While you cannot strangle them, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and behavior patterns is essential for survival. By mastering the strategies outlined in this guide, you can significantly increase your chances of navigating encounters with these formidable foes and making your way through the harsh and unforgiving world of The Last of Us. Remember, knowledge is your greatest weapon.
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